Early spring clean at Zonkizizwe Secondary School

On 18 July, Nelson Mandela International Day, TEACH South Africa visited Zonkizizwe Secondary School in Katlehong to share in the day’s activities.

On this day, South Africa and the rest of the world celebrated not only Madiba’s 94th birthday, but also the 67 years of humanitarian service he gave to others, and we were encouraged to be agents of change by giving back to communities and sharing 67 minutes of our own time.

For Mandela Day at Zonkizizwe, TEACH South Africa founding members, Futhi Mtoba, Richard Masemola and Mothomang Diaho, staff, mentors and ambassadors, as well as teachers at the school, organised an early spring cleaning at the school to brighten the classrooms’ floors and walls as well as the courtyard.

Later, the learners (and teachers) were treated to a line-up of song and dance entertainment that showcased young talent in South Africa – including the learners themselves – which everyone enjoyed.
After an introductory welcome by the principle, Elizabeth Masemola, members of TEACH South Africa, as well as guests from the USA, Switzerland and United Kingdom, thanked their hosts for the experience.

As part of the thank you to Zonkizizwe for their partnership and hospitality, TEACH South Africa donated a new cooking pot to the kitchen and books to the library. Zonkizizwe learners then sang happy birthday to former president Mandela before they were surprised with an appearance by radio and television personality, DJ Sbu, a partner with the TEACH South Africa programme – who entertained the group until the end of the school day.

Following the day’s festivities, the TEACH team donated money, furniture and other materials to the recipient of a new house. Until that day, Gogo Martha Xaba had been living in a shack but with the help of the local community, who built the house within two months, she was able to move into her own house.

What a successful day!